Racing ahead in schools

Alamanda College student Lachlan with his race car, which he named 'Crunchy Nuts'. Photo: Marco De Luca

A group of “driven” students from three Wyndham schools participated in the inaugural F1 Dow Cup grand final on Thursday.

Grade 5 and 6 pupils from Alamanda K-9 College in Point Cook, Westgrove Primary School in Werribee and Our Lady of Southern Cross in Manor Lakes joined the competition.

The event, which took place at Alamanda College, required the youngsters to work in groups and research the science behind racing car aerodynamics.

The pupils also created team names, virtual sponsors, team colours and logos, as they built a cardboard F1 model car to race down a 20-metre track.

Dow Chemical’s public affairs and government lead Taimor Hazou said the aim of the event was to boost student interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) subjects.

Mr Hazou said Dow had partnered with Alamanda College to create STEMNET, to deliver better science outcomes in the west through efforts such as the F1 Cup.

“We are looking to build the workforce of tomorrow and know that a pool of STEM-trained talent is vital,” Mr Hazou said.

Alamanda College teacher and STEMNET co-ordinator Michael Germano said the program encouraged collaborative team work in order to create problem solvers and innovators.

“Students have been eager to be part of this competition and this partnership with Dow Chemical has provided an opportunity to reach and engage students who have never had the opportunity to be part of a competition such as this,” he said.